Sat Feb 14 14:24:10 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Idukki Cardamom Farmers Fear Repeat of 2024 Drought Amidst Extreme Temperature Fluctuations

The Story:

Cardamom growers in Idukki, India, are expressing deep concern over extreme temperature fluctuations and a prolonged dry spell that are threatening the upcoming 2026-27 harvest. Daytime temperatures in plantations reached 29°C by the second week of February, an unusually high level for this time of year. Farmers fear a repeat of the devastating 2024 drought, which severely impacted cardamom yields. Experts are advising irrigation and mulching to mitigate the effects of the heat stress.

Key Points:

  • Daytime temperatures in Idukki cardamom plantations reached 29°C by the second week of February, significantly higher than usual.
  • Muthusamy Murugan, former head scientist at the Cardamom Research Station of Kerala Agricultural University, warns that this February is the third hottest in the past 25 years.
  • Farmers are advised to prioritize irrigation and mulching to retain soil moisture.
  • Stany Pothen, a planter, reports experiencing extreme cold in the mornings and intense heat during the day, a pattern unfavorable for cardamom.
  • Agricultural consultant Prince Mathew recommends spraying potassium silicate to reduce evaporation and improve moisture retention for farms with limited water.
  • Climatologist Gopakumar Cholayil cautions that shifting climate patterns disproportionately affect thermosensitive crops like cardamom, leading to income losses.
  • A previous article on February 4, 2026, indicated that the cardamom harvest had already been impacted by an unusual cold spell.

Critical Analysis:

The context reveals a volatile situation for cardamom farmers in Idukki. The initial cold spell mentioned in the February 4, 2026 article was quickly followed by an unseasonably warm period, creating significant stress for the plants. This rapid shift highlights the unpredictable nature of climate change and its devastating impact on agriculture.

Key Takeaways:

  • Extreme temperature fluctuations are posing a severe threat to cardamom cultivation in Idukki.
  • The situation underscores the vulnerability of thermosensitive crops to climate change.
  • Farmers require immediate support and resources to implement mitigation strategies like irrigation and mulching.
  • The combination of initial cold and subsequent heat amplification suggests increasingly unstable weather patterns.
  • Long-term strategies are needed to adapt to shifting climate patterns to ensure the sustainability of cardamom farming.

Impact Analysis:

The current crisis in Idukki has the potential for significant long-term economic and social impacts. Reduced cardamom yields could lead to:

  • Economic hardship for farmers: Lower income and potential debt due to crop losses.
  • Price increases for consumers: Reduced supply of cardamom could drive up prices in both domestic and international markets.
  • Job losses: A decline in cardamom production could affect employment in related industries such as processing and packaging.
  • Food security concerns: Impact on overall agricultural output and potential dependence on imports.
  • Increased migration: Farmers may be forced to leave their land and seek alternative livelihoods.

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